But after the news anchors shared this grim report, they immediately moved on to political news, traffic, weather, etc., leaving many viewers to wonder –
How do I protect myself?
I'm glad you asked.
As villains go, it doesn't have a very catchy name, but methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a villainous bacterium – resistant to most antibiotics, easily transmitted by casual contact, and responsible for as much as 20 percent of all infections picked up in hospitals and other health care facilities.
Even worse, MRSA is deadly. And while this has been known for many years, the new CDC study indicates that this bacterium may be twice as deadly as previously thought.
From July 2004 through the end of 2005, researchers tracked statistics collected from nine U.S. health care centers that participated in a special bacterial surveillance program. Extrapolating the data, researchers estimated that more than 94,000 patients were infected with invasive MRSA during the study period, and 85 percent of the infections were associated with health care treatment.
Well over 18,500 of the infected patients died.
Some hospitals test incoming patients for MSRA and then isolate infected patients. This is somewhat controversial because sequestered patients may not receive the same level of care as uninfected patients. While that issue is open to debate, the New York Times reports that a hospital system in Chicago has cut the rate of MSRA infections by 60 percent since screening began in 2005.
Which brings us to the question: What can you do to reduce your risk of infection during a planned hospital stay?
You can begin by choosing a hospital with a high safety rating. The Department of Health and Human Services web site (hospitalcompare.hhs.gov) provides an assessment of the level of care at participating hospitals. You can easily search the database by entering a hospital name, zip code, city, county, or state.
Another similar web site (healthgrades.com) collects mortality data on more than 5,000 U.S. hospitals. You can also search for information about individual physicians and nursing homes on this site.
Once you've chosen a top rated hospital, what steps can you take to personally prepare yourself for a hospital stay? When I put this question to HSI Panelist Allan Spreen, M.D., he began and ended his comments with vitamin C.
Dr. Spreen: "I'd be taking vitamin C by the grams (to bowel tolerance then just below), but right before surgery you'd have to cut back to keep from hindering the anesthesia (which is another toxin, remember). I'd also be taking beta-glucan as an immune stimulant.
"For strict bactericidal activity I'd be doing olive leaf extract, grapefruit seed extract (not grape seed, though I like it too), and colloidal silver. In other words, I'd be pulling out all the stops. If I had a reasonable doc I'd be getting vitamin C intravenously post-op – then the MRSA wouldn't be a factor. Yep, vitamin C in high enough doses kills ALL invading bugs. Fred Klenner, MD, proved that back in the 40's (but who's listening?)."
I take a great anti-germ, bacteria, viral,and fungal product:CellPower™
everyday keeps me from ever getting sick no matter what I'm exposed to and trust me I get exposed.....and also I'm using:
FLAX SEED OIL
for my colon, but of course ~Glutathione-the master antioxidant is a great helper to counteract many diabetic complications.
~4 essential minerals for diabetics
~SELENIUMhelps immune system,fights infection and aids circulation
~MAGNESIUMhelps to relax you, aids stress and muscle relaxing
~CHROMIUMimproves insulin sensitivity, and helps lower blood sugar.
~ZINC especially to help you heal.
~coconut oil
for the Omega-3~6 balance and losing weight
sources
http://www.hsibaltimore.com/ealerts/ea200210/ea20021016.html
http://www.hsibaltimore.com/ealerts/ea200208/ea20020806.html
http://www.hsibaltimore.com/ealerts/ea200210/ea20021023b.html
http://www.hsibaltimore.com/ealerts/ea200107/ea20010710.html
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